…tasks DSS, NSA on alertness

As concerns are being expressed on the wave of coups taking place in Africa, a foremost rights group Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has urged Nigerian youths to resist any lure by persons bent on truncating democracy and peace in the country.

The group also urged the Department of State Security (DSS) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to beam their searchlights on the nation’s military to to rid off any temptation to derail democracy in the country.

Speaking on a Radio Nigeria breakfast programme in Abuja, the Convener of RUN, Amb. Solomon Adodo explained that there were many vistas of expressing grievances in a democracy, noting that crises and coups were not part of the options and such cannot be contemplated in Nigeria.

“If you look at what we have in some African States or Nations, you will find out that there are peculiarities there. We have had seat-tight rulers who have been there for decades against the wishes of their citizens.

“There is a disconnect between the leaders in the countries we are experiencing coups and the people but that is not the case in Nigeria where we have a President that relates with the people, feel their pulse, empathise with their pligh and explore avenues for resolving existing challenges. The military cannot intervene when there is a legitimate government that enjoys the support of the masses.

The position of the rights group is consistent with a similar call by the DSS alleging plots by some politicians and selfish groups to distabilise the country with violent protests under the guise of hardship and high cost of living.

According to the group, “what we are experiencing in Nigeria does not call for lawlessness. You have a government that is working round the clock to implement policies that will address the current challenges and give Nigerians a sustained future. The only thing we can do now is to support the government and not to distabilise it”

As the nation braces for the final judgement in the Presidential Election Tribunal, the group urged Nigerians especially youths to be patient and calm, adding that
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won his election in a transparent manner and the judiciary will do the needful to affirm his victory so that he can continue with his youth oriented policies and programmes.

“Nigerian youths especially those in school and graduates alike have so much work to do towards self improvement so as to fit into the numerous youth oriented policies and incentives of the present administration rather than yielding to the antics of selfish politicians. President Tinubu is a legitimate leader who is determined to deliver people oriented policies and governance for the good of all Nigerians. Protests and coups should therefore not be contemplated”, he added.

The group finally called on Nigerians to express their legitimate concerns through the right channels including approaching their representatives in the National Assembly to table their concerns, adding that the 10th National Assembly under the leadership of Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is receptive to all Nigerians.

“In a democracy there must be grievances but there are also channels of communication. The National Assembly especially the Senate under Godswill Akpabio is the best place to table such grievances. There is no excuse whatsoever to resort to violence and even contemplate a coup, Nigerians must unite and support the present administration for a prosperous future”, he concluded.